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Happy are those whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and
night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and
their leaves do not wither. --Psalm 1:1-3, selected portions

About gracetree...
The tree is a central symbol in the Christian story. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil had central
place in the Garden, and the tree of life anchors the re-created Garden in the New Jerusalem. Noah
knows the flood is coming to a close when the dove brings a shoot from the olive tree, and Jesus saves all
creation through being lifted on the tree.

The image of the disciple as a tree is found in prayers in the Psalms. The very first psalm compares those
who delight in God's law to trees..."trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither." The tree is a conduit - connecting the nourishing water and soil of God's
loving law to the yielded fruit and glossy leaves that bless those who pass by.

We all need connectors...conduits...times, events, people, places that serve as means of grace, to
connect us to the work of God as surely as a tree connects the groundspring to the fruit. The Reverend
Elise Erikson Barrett, a United Methodist pastor, speaker, and writer, can help your church or
organization develop such connecting experiences for the members of your faith community. Elise would
be honored to help you imagine and create special preaching events, retreats, or tailored learning
experiences that will provide opportunities for folks to be attentive to the Holy Spirit, who is always already
knocking at every door.

Elise is also the author of What Was Lost: A Christian Journey Through Miscarriage, forthcoming from
Westminster John Knox Press in Fall of 2010, and is available for special events, workshops, or worship
leadership related to pregnancy loss and related topics.